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May 7, 2024

Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.6

Number of comments: 92 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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C. G. from Kansas City, KS (9/12/2022) "Excellent race course, organization, atmosphere!" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I would absolutely recommend this race for anyone who wants to run a new PR and get as close to guaranteeing an entry to Boston.
Carney Anne Nasser from New Orleans, LA, USA (9/11/2022) "I LOVED this race! I'll be back!" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the 2022 Last Chance BQ and loved the course (most of the course has a wonderful canopy of trees which is awesome for shade and O2) and the ease of logistics. Big city races can feel like a chore just to get to the start line but this race is logistically seamless and so friendly. The only reason I gave the course 4 stars instead of 5 is because it is a bit narrow at some points and can be hard to run the tangents. If you're not trying to run tangents, it's 5 stars :) What makes the course so great for fast running (long straights in tree-canopied areas) makes it a little less conducive to crowd support on one of the sides. However, because the course is a loop, you get a LOT of crowd support very frequently - I saw my 'support team' 7 times which is more than I have at bigger races. The best part was how friendly the race director and all of the BQ team and volunteers are - they clearly love what they are doing and are so supportive. It feels special for each person (rather than bigger races where you are literally just a number). The pacers from Dick Pond were really enthusiastic and hit our splits like a metronome. I would recommend BQ2 to anyone who is trying to find all the optimizers available to make that BQ happen!
Eva Cheung from Indianapolis,IN (9/11/2022) "Awesome race. Loved the course and support!" (about: 2022) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The only disappointment I had was the lack of respect I witnessed from some of the runners throwing their cups on the ground vs in the trash cans.
Jeffrey Bq from Texas (9/11/2022) "Don't hesitate do it" (about: 2022) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I highly highly recommend it; you will not be disappointed in the fall race; the eight loops were phenomenal.
Fergus Hodgson from Fort Collins, Colorado (9/11/2022) "Inspirational Event, Suboptimal Course" (about: 2022) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I went to this race with, like everyone else, the explicit goal of qualifying for Boston. That meant under 3:10 for me. (I got 3:10:11, so I missed slightly.) The organizers and pacers are devoted to that cause, and I appreciate their work. One pacer even came back to help me with about a mile to go. That was kind, and I wish I could thank him personally. Further, the sense of camaraderie given the shared challenge was inspirational. The fans got to enjoy plenty of interaction with the loop course, and they lifted our spirits. However, there were problems with the course. In particular, there was a lot of traffic on the path: bikes, dog walkers, casual runners, and lapped runners. The congestion impeded a natural run and was a bit out of hand at times. Further, even without the congestion, there were many sharp turns and rises and falls (exacerbated by eight laps). The course is relatively flat, but it is not pancake flat. Of my group, pacing for 3:06, about 75 percent did not get the 3:10. From memory, four stayed with the pacers the full race - at least as far as I could see, since I fell back a bit after 20 miles. If you are in shape and shooting for your qualification time, you can do it here. The atmosphere is a lot of fun, but do not expect a cakewalk. Also, water load before the race, because we were all sweating like crazy as the heat got up. You might want to take advantage of the personalized drink stop as well. I did not, but you need all the hydration you can get.
S. P. from Nashville, TN (9/22/2021) "Great and FUN Family Friendly Race" (about: 2021) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I had such a blast running this race. I travelled in from Nashville, TN and felt like the event, packet pick-up, and pre-race warm-up went so well. I definitely want to come back to run the race again! And, might I add, I successfully got a 30-minute PR to BQ! YAYYYYY!!!
M. M. from Chicago (9/20/2021) "Awesome race." (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great race . Keep up the good work.
S. J. from Texas (9/16/2021) "One of the best marathons I have EVER DONE!" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 15th marathon and first time doing a loop course. Let me tell you, if you are on the fence about a loop course this is your sign to sign up now. There are so many people around the course cheering you on and giving you speed. At the end of each loop a huge crowd with great music is there to count you down and give you the energy for the next loop each time. I will absolutely do this one again! I BQ'd with 4 minutes to spare. Flat as a pancake. The people are the nicest in the world. Over 10 starts for this race.
A. M. from Chicago area western suburbs (9/16/2021) "Beautiful setting for well organized small race" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race is: - no stress - well organized and run - laps on beautiful course, adjacent to river, runs both sides in loop with bridge crossings to keep interesting, - good shade - relatively flat - perfect loop size for fuel/hydration stations - almost exclusively experienced runners - best use of small pace groups any race, by far - minimal distractions, despite occasional well mannered bicyclists and shared path with small farmers market to keep interesting and focused - highest ratio race staff/support/Marshalls to runners
Caroline Mihalski from Kaukauna, Wisconsin (9/16/2021) "Spectacular" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race is simply amazing! The organizers know all the things marathoners need. It is the most organized, beautiful, fun, and encouraging marathon races. Seriously simply the best! Consider this race, especially if you are looking to get your best time!

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